That’s a Wrap for Sunny Coast Showdown
It was Lights! Camera! Action! as the Sunny Coast Showdown finalists worked with some of the best in the film biz to bring their scripts to life. Sunny Coast Showdown co-founder and former Powderfinger drummer Jon Coghill was there to capture all the action.
An exciting film and TV initiative kickstarting the local screen industry has wrapped production and is preparing for an epic red carpet showcase and celebration.
The Sunny Coast Showdown presented by the Bendigo Bank is a not-for-profit event where local screenwriters and producers win the opportunity to make their projects on the Coast and showcase them locally and around the world.
Showdown 2023 saw the production of seven projects – three short films, a Powderfinger music video, two documentaries and a lifestyle program – that will be premiered at the Sunny Coast Showdown Showcase at the Met on 24 June.
Category winner, Ryan Butler, wrote and directed the zombie short Bin Day and believes the Sunshine Coast is now ripe for a full-length zombie film.
“It’s got me salivating. I’m already writing a feature length version,” he said. “I’d love to see zombies running riot at the Eumundi Markets.”
Mr Butler said the Showcase event would be a unique night to celebrate.
“Get dolled up and have a taste of a Hollywood style-premiere! Food, wine and movies – what’s not to love?”
Writer/director Adam Szudrich said he was honored when one of Australia’s legends of the screen, Peter O’Brien, appeared in his short film, Slow Dating.
“My grandmother always taught me ‘if you don’t ask, you never know’, so it was with this misguided optimism that I asked Peter O’Brien if he’d fly from Los Angeles to star in my first film as a director,” he said. “Grandma was right.”
The Sunny Coast Showdown was started by myself and former US Survivor producer Dan Munday along with the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective, with the long-term goal of establishing a viable film and TV industry the region, including a major studio.
This year’s productions employed more than 70 local cast and crew and was supported by over 50 volunteers.
Producer and category winner, Anita Poteri, said it highlighted what is possible for TV and filmmakers in the region.
“It showcases our talent and production capabilities, attracting investment and opportunities,” she said. “It fosters innovation, showcases our beautiful locations, and brings fresh content to the industry while also creating jobs and boosting the local economy. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!”
Sunny Coast Showdown is made possible with the support of amazingly generous local patrons and sponsors.
It is also supported by the Bendigo Bank and both the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Councils.
Organiser Dan Munday said it could be an even bigger boost for the industry with further support from local, state and federal bodies.
“The next step is to get funding that covers all the costs of Showdown number three,” he said.
“We have proven we can do it, we have momentum, now it’s up to different levels of government and film bodies to step up in a really significant way.”
The final films and music video will premier at The Showdown Showcase with an overall winner announced on the night. Regardless of the outcome, everyone involved is already richer for the experience.
THE SHOWDOWN SHOWCASE
The Sunny Coast Showdown Showcase
24 June, 4pm to 10pm; first film at 5:30pm.
Book your tickets now!
Tickets:
Adults $30
Kids under 12 $15
Family (2 adults, 3 kids) $60
